The Rev. Dr. Sammie E. Jones — Pastor Emeritus of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and a spiritual anchor for generations of St. Louis families — died on Monday, February 9. He was 76.
His passing came just two days after he and his wife, Sandra Jones, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
For more than four decades, Rev. Jones stood in the pulpit of Mt. Zion M.B. Church at 1444 S. Compton Avenue, serving as senior pastor for 43 years. Even after retiring and becoming Pastor Emeritus, he remained a constant presence — mentoring younger ministers, supporting church leadership, and offering counsel to anyone who sought his wisdom.
In 2024, Rev. Jones published his first book, A Pastor’s Guide to Spiritual Leadership, where he outlined the qualities essential to Christian leadership and service. He wrote of spiritual leaders as those who lead by example, modeling the servant leadership of Christ — the same humility Jesus demonstrated when He washed the feet of His disciples in John 13:12–17. It was a philosophy Rev. Jones embodied throughout his ministry.
Rev. Jones was the twelfth pastor to lead the historic congregation, which traces its roots to 1859 under the founding leadership of the Rev. John Richard Anderson of Central Baptist Church. Mt. Zion stands among the oldest African-American congregations in St. Louis, following First Baptist and Central Baptist. His impact at Mt. Zion was profound. In 2012, The St. Louis American highlighted the church’s celebration of his 28th pastoral anniversary.
Sammie Earl Jones was born on August 1, 1949, in Doddsville, Mississippi. His grandmother, Cora Lewis — a strong matriarch rooted in faith — kept him close to Christ. He moved to St. Louis as a child with her, later joined by his mother, Bessie L. Jones.
“She raised myself and many others in our family to trust in God and believe that God will always be available for us,” he said of his grandmother.
His call to ministry came early. “I always loved church,” he told The American in 2013. “I always loved listening to the preachers.” Though he knew as a young man that he would one day preach, he did not fully surrender to public ministry until 1971.
His first pastoral appointment was at Friendship Baptist Church in Columbia, Missouri, a small family congregation of about 30 members. “They taught me what preaching was all about,” he recalled. “They did not have a lot of money, but they were caring and sharing.”
His son, the Rev. Shaun E. Jones — who served as assistant pastor at Mt. Zion before being appointed pastor at Star of Bethlehem church in Ossining, New York — said his father’s ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. “He has been a staple in our community,” he said. “The vision that the Lord gave my father was to have a full-functioning church that services the community.”
Rev. Jones’ life outside the church was equally full. He earned an associate degree from Saint Louis University, a bachelor’s degree in communications from Lindenwood University, and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Western Baptist Bible College. He served as second vice president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, as a commissioner with the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, as an executive member of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and as a life member of the St. Louis City chapter of the NAACP. In 1994, he was inducted into the distinguished Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. He also served 10 years in the U.S. Army and Active Reserves.
His leadership created a spiritual home where generations found belonging, direction, and hope. Rev. Dr. Sammie E. Jones lived a life anchored in faith and lifted by service. He leaves behind a church family that adored him, a community that respected him, and a legacy that will continue to guide Mt. Zion for years to come.
Final services for Rev. Dr. Sammie Jones are as follows:
Memorial Musical: Friday, Feb. 27. Viewing will take place from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Musical will begin at 7 p.m. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1444 S. Compton Avenue. St. Louis MO 63104.
Homegoing Celebration, Saturday Feb. 28, visitation from 9 a.m. – 11 am. Service 11 a.m., West Side Missionary Baptist Church, 4675 Page Blvd. St. Louis MO 63113.
Sending our condolences to Rev Jones family
Remembeering the boy, into manhood who became a husband, father, minister, friend, and a Pastor to many. He was truly a man of God, and lived his life according to God’s word. His inspiration & leadership will truly be missed by many who knew and loved him. Condolences to the Family, church members of Mt. Zion, and all his many friends. A Northside, Beaumont High School, and neighborhood kid who made his Family, his church and St. Louis Proud. May he rest in Peace & the arms of Jesus.
I grew up in the neighborhood where Sammie Jones grew up. He lived 4 blocks from our house.. He abd my brother Willie James Mosley, went to Beaumont H.S. together. I was 3 years younger than them. I attended a lot of Mt Zion services, and even went to Chicago, once with Mt. Zion. My godsister, Barbara Davis & sister Delores Penton were all close to Sam, (what l called him) and his wife. I attended Compton Hill M.B.C. but attended many events at Mt. Zion. Even though l moved to Chicago, & Atlanta and back to St.Louis. l always found time to visit Sam at Mt. Zion. He was truly a wonderful person to know, and be calla friend of his. He will be missed.
My prayers and deepest sympathy to the Jones family. Sammie and I were good friends. I was blessed to be in his presence and preach at Mt. Zion when I was in St. Louis.